ASTRAEUS ZINE - An Editorial Exploration of the Zodiac

ASTRAEUS

ISSUE ONE

Artists Statement “Astrology is an all-encompassing study of human experience. It offers profound insight into our personal motivation and behaviour as well as helping us understand our relationship with others.” (Williamson, M. 2018) ASTRAEUS is an artistic exploration of the zodiac, through the medium of fashion, beauty, and photography. The zine highlights the differences between each star sign through the use of specific and tailored aesthetics, as designed by researching; and understanding the most prevalent characteristics most commonly found in those that share star signs. Through the use of stylised editorial photography, Matthews’ invites the viewers to consider if each zodiac were a physical embodiment, what would that person look like and how would they present themselves?

In recent years astrology has become that with which people find a sense of comfort in being a part of a cohort, as they search for meaning and explanation within uncertain and questionable times. Matthews explores how a person’s behaviour can be traced back at its centre as an expression of their zodiac. The concept of Astraeus is to highlight these differences in the form of artistic expression through the design and creation of twelve distinctively unique aesthetics for each individual star sign.

The aim for this project is to create a visual experience for those who are fascinated and/or intrigued with the topic of astrology and produce something that is a visual experience that envelops and entices the voyeur. Despite the vast popularity of the subject, particularly by millennials and those in generation Z, Matthews has not seen this done before within the topic so wanted to create something that could be appreciated by all those who share the fascination.

Throughout her degree Matthews has often leaned more towards the editorial side of expression, as this tends to be the form of art, she not only feels she excels at but is confident in her personal ability to create the kind of content she herself enjoys consuming, thus mimicking those with which she is most inspired.

Matthews looked to various artists and photographers as sources and inspiration for this project in order to see how others have interpreted the theme of the zodiac. In particular Matt Irwin’s collection for Vogue Russia (2009) and Matt Irwin and Shona Heath’s collection for Vogue UK (2010). Both artists explored how the theme of the zodiac could be explored from a fashion editorial point of view, with Irwin and Heath creating whimsical, dream like images using muted tones throughout making everything more cohesive, and Irwin creating bold, striking images with harsh lighting to contrast against the model. Both collections helped Matthews to develop her own designs for how she wanted to present the signs from a fashion, beauty, and editorial standpoint; thus, leading to the development for the chosen layout of Astraeus.

By creating obvious and clear distinction between all twelve zodiac signs, Matthews has created a zine which enables the reader to be immersed within an informative and artistic experience through the use of fashion, beauty, and artistic photography; that when brought together create an original artistic project.

ARIES

21st March - 20th April

THE RAM ELEMENT: FIRE RULING PLANET: MARS

MODEL: LUCY MATTHEWS @HONEYMOONLUCY_

PHOTOGRAPHY: BEHAN MILLER @BETHANMILLERCO_

WORST CHARACTER TRAIT:

COURAGE BEST CHARACTER TRAIT:

ARROGANCE

Those under the firey house of Aries are brave, headstrong and captivatingly childish. But are also known for their impatience, impulsivity and restlessness. They crave adventure and face any obstacles head on - forever charging forward. With an irresistable enthusiasm and spirited energy, the Aries determination to succeed is unwavering is legendary making them natural born leaders.

The ram is an independant crature, who enjoy being the boss. So passionate you face the risk of burning, Aries fall in love fast and hard. Their natural spontaneity and honesty make them trustworthy companions as they wear their hearts on their sleeve.

The default reaction for an Aries is to act. Their insticts are to tackle things head, even if the outcome is uclear. Fiercely independant, Aries are loyal to a fault often choosing to stand by relationships over opportunities. With and act now think later mentality that often lands them in some compromising positions, but their candid and disarming approach usually ends with them being exactly where they want to be.

House Colour:

RED Ruling body part:

HEAD

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TAURUS 21st APRIL - 21ST MAY

THE BULL ELEMENT: EARTH RULING PLANET: VENUS

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MODEL: BECKY WIGGINS @BCKYLWIGGINS

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELSPETH CLARK @ELSPETHPHOTOS

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WORST CHARACTER TRAIT:

POSSESSIVE BEST CHARACTER TRAIT:

STRENGTH

Taureans are patient, dependable and persevering. Their silent strength and determination inspires those around them to to trust them fully. They are faithful to those they call friends and loved ones, but have a tendancy to be stubborn and not respond well to change as they hate being rushed into making decisions. They strive for security and comfort in all aspects of life. The bull does not give their heart away easily and will take a while to trust others. They can be slow when considering new relationships, but once their mind is made they will do everything imaginable to make things work.

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Members of the house of Taurus have a silent, serene way about them. They never do anything in a hurry. When faced with a problem they would rather wait it out, mull it over and let it percolate. Taureans are often sensitive to disharmony, with clashing colours, loud noises and irritable people making them feel uncomfortable.

They avoid conflict at all costs.

Ruling body part:

NECK

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GREEN

House Colour:

They keep their homes cosy, peaceful and tasteful. Taureans are often very artistic beigns often thriving within creative feilds such as music and art. A Taurus’s well rounded personality makes them easy to love and compatable with lots of different people.

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GEMINI 22ND MAY - 21ST JUNE

THE TWINS ELEMENT: AIR RULING PLANET: MERCURY

MODEL: KAMILE KAKTYTE @CHANELCOOCHIE_

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELSPETH CLARK @ELSPETHPHOTOS

WORST CHARACTER TRAIT:

JUDGEMENTAL

Gemini’s are curious, quick-witted and light-hearted. Named after the twins Castor and Pollux in Greek mythology, as they display two very different sides to their personality - joyful and upbeat one minute then seething and withdrawn the next. Gemini’s are extremely talented in multitasking, with the ability to juggle many projects simultaneously, but they can be very fickle creatures.

Gemini’s are shameful flirts, with their romantic lives being as colourful as their taste in clothes. They are naturally gifted in finding something in common with even the most difficult of characters.

ADAPTABLE

BEST CHARACTER TRAIT:

GOLD

House Colour:

Ruling body part:

ARMS

Gemini’s react to any new people or situation by talking at them. Who? What? When? Where? They handle the world by seeking to study it in order to calculate the best form of action. Gemini’s are usually good-natued and friendly but sometimes they fail to notice what’s going on with other under the surface because they’re so busy talking about themselves. But because of their endless curiosity they are excellent at encouraging others to talk and are masters of negotiation.

CANCER 22ND JUNE - 22 JULY

THE CRAB ELEMENT: WATER RULING PLANET: THE MOON

MODEL: AMY KNIGHT @XMY_K

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELSPETH CLARK @ELSPETHPHOTOS

BEST CHARACTER TRAIT:

CARING

SENSITIVE

WORST CHARACTER TRAIT:

Cancers are tenacious, caring and immensely protective of the people they care about. Like the solid shell of the crab, they guard a tougher exterior than they actually have, in order to hide their sensitive nature.

When a tenacious Cancerian has what they want in the grasp of their pincers, it’s difficult to persuade them to give it up, even when it’s of no longer use to them.

Cancers are the hoarders of the zodiac and need to learn to let go and trust that everything will eventually be fine, even if they’re not in control of he situation.

PINK

House Colour:

CHEST

Ruling body part:

Cancers aren’t always comfortable in new enviroments with people they don’t know. They tend to retreat back into their shell where they feel safe. When dealing with a problem they hold back before offering a solution that they have generated alone. Cancers are rarely aggressive, but if they feel someone they care for is being threatened, they will defend them with a passion. Sensitive souls at their core Cancers enjoy taking care of other people. Close friends will often feel that they are family when in the presance of a Cancer.

LEO

23RD JULY - 22ND AUGUST

THE LION ELEMENT: FIRE RULING PLANET: THE SUN

MODEL: SHERIDAN MCMILLAN @SHERIDANMCMILLAN

PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN GAMMONS @MEGJAYN

GENEROSITY

BEST CHARACTER TRAIT:

EGOISTIC

WORST CHARACTER TRAIT:

Ruled by the creative energy of the Sun, Leo’s light up and energise those around them.

These proud, flamboyant characters crave attention and feel diminished without and adoring audience. Creative and organised a Leo can become a little controling with the people they care about.

Known for their wild voluminous mane, a Leo is always the person that draws the attention of any crowd. Leo’s are more easily hurt than most people realise, even constructive criticism can be a large blow to their ego’s. But when a Leo feels loved and wanted they will move montains to please the people they care about the most.

Leo’s are born entertainers and very proud of their creative skills. They love being the centre of attention, but their generosity and warmth makes others forgive their inflated ego’s. They have excellect organisation skills which can sometimes cone across as bossy, but for all their bossiness Leo’s hate to be thought of badly by others. They are people pleasers at heart that need to be admired and approved of, but Leo’s often need to form a good opinion of themselves before seeking it from others.

ORANGE

House Colour:

HEART

Ruling body part:

VIRGO 23RD AUGUST - 22ND SEPTEMBER

THE VIRGIN

ELEMENT: EARTH RULING PLANET: MERCURY

MODEL: OLIVIA WILIAMS @LIVGEOO

PHOTOGRAPHY: BETHAN MILLER @BETHANMILLERCO

ORGANISED

BEST CHARACTER TRAIT:

CRITICAL

WORST CHARACTER TRAIT:

Virgo’s are the busiest sign in the zodiac with an unreachable to-do list. If you want something done fast and right, ask a Virgo and if they can’t manage it they’ll know someone for the job. Always full of excellent advice but in their pursuit of perfection they can sometimes appear to be hyper critical, when they’re just trying to help you be the best version of yourself possible. When in love, Virgo’s are thoughtful, kind and patient although they need to learn to relax and let the small things take care of themselves.

YELLOW

House Colour:

When finding themselves in a tricky situation, a Virgo’s reaction will be to find the simplest most effective solution. Kind and understanding, Virgo’s help others before helping themselves. They help others to heal and would often benefit from a little of their own compassion to help them work out their own issues.

Ruling body part:

STOMACH

Virgo’s are kind hearted spirits who like to be of practical use to those around them. They have a skill for knowing what to do to make people feel better and are skilled in turning chaos into workable situations.

LIBRA

24TH SEPTEMBER - 23RD OCTOBER

THE SCALES ELEMENT: AIR RULING PLANET: VENUS

MODEL: SOMEE MARS MALIK @PRINCESSA_JASMINEX

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELSPETH CLARK @ELSPETHPHOTOS

SUPERFICIAL

WORST CHARACTER TRAIT:

Librans strive for balance and harmony in all areas of their lives. They are social butterflies and learn their most important lessons from other people. If left to their own devices, these charming, diplomtic individuals can take an age to make any and all decisions, so it’s a must for them that they find someone they can bat back and forth with, to help them understand themselves and their lives better.

Relationships can be tricky as they have such high standards. Learning to enjoy their own company, Libra’s are happily independant and need no one to help them find happiness as they will happily find it themselves.

BEST CHARACTER TRAIT:

FAIRNESS

HIPS

Ruling body part:

BLUE

House Colour:

When first meeting a Libra they will come across as charming, well-mannered and sociable. Libra’s are often diplomatic and wish to make people feel comfortable in their company. Libra’s spend an awfully large amount of their time making their enviroment, and their own appearances, as appealing as possible.

Libra’s can often come across as passive, too keen to adapt to everyone else’s idea of who they should be, rather than having confidence in who they are themselves.

SCORPIO 24TH OCTOBER - 22ND NOVEMBER

THE SCORPION ELEMENT: WATER RULING PLANET: PLUTO

MODEL: MEGAN GAMMONS @MEGJAYN

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELSPETH CLARK @ELSPETHPHOTOS

BEST CHARACTER TRAIT:

WILLPOWER WORST CHARACTER TRAIT:

VENGEANC

Scorpio’s draw from deep pools of emotion and physical energy and need to find a positive outlet for their intense feelings. In work Scorpio’s push themselves and they push hard - the more daunting the better. Power games can come into play if jealousies are stirred, and that’s when the legendary Scorpio ‘stinger’ is most likley to rear its head.

But if you have a Scorpio’s trust you’ll have intuitive and loyal partner in crime.

But Scorpio’s need to learn to lower their guard and allow themselves to be vunerable as it is not a weakness.

CE

Scorpio is ruled by the God Pluto or, more commonly know as in Greek Mythology, Hades. Seen as a chthonic diety who is dark, primative and mysterious, along with his bride the Goddess Persephone, so it comes as no surprise that the God and Goddess become regularly assosiated with Scorpio. Having eaten six pomegranate seeds in order to stay in the underworld for six months of the year, the pomegranate has become a symbol for Persephone, and thus a symbol for Scorpio. Referancing the firey passion and desire that can often be found burning within your fellow Scorpio.

SEX

House Colour:

CRIMSON

Ruling body part:

SAGITTARIUS

23RD NOVEMBER - 21ST DECEMBER

THE ARCHER ELEMENT: FIRE RULING PLANET: JUPITER

MODEL: KAYLEIGH HAYTER @XKAYLEIGH_JADEX

PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN GAMMONS @MEGJAYN

WORST CHARACTER TRAIT:

RECKLESS

BEST CHARACTER TRAIT:

ENTHUSIASTIC

Sagittarians are freedom-loving spirits who thrive on challenge and adventure. Ruled by optimistic Jupiter, Sagittarius has an infectiously enthusiastic approach to life and can become bored when expected to respect rules and regulations, which in their minds aim to hinder their sense of adventure. Due to their fear of being caged or restricted, a Sagittarian will seek a partner who is broadminded, and understand their restlessness, wanting to always keep things fresh and exciting. But Sagittarians need to learn that things arent always brighter on the other side.

Sagittarians are boisterous, exuberant and larger than life. They play life like a game with their happy go lucky attitues, usually ending up on the winning side. The have a love for challenges and often feel the need for a frequent change for scenery. When life becomes predictable, they become restless. They’re characters tend to be a little tactless and need to develop a more subtle attitude to those on the more sensitive side.

PURPLE

House Colour:

Ruling body part:

THIGHS

CAPRICORN 22ND DECEMBER - 20TH JANUARY

THE GOAT ELEMENT: EARTH RULING PLANET: SATURN

MODEL: ELIZABETH CARTWRIGHT @ELIZABETHCARTWRIGHT

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELSPETH CLARK @ELSPETHPHOTOS

Capricorns are patient, determined and always realistic, they don’t rush into anything.

Cool, calm and collected they will think up a logical solution for any problem they might encounter and to help them achieve their aims. They’re not overly loud or boastful but what they are, are winners.

Underneath the composed exterior is a loyal, devoted partner who will try to move mountains for the ones they care for. Capricorns often have a wicked sense of humour and would do well to remember that sometimes happiness and worldly success are not always the same.

BEST CHARACTER TRAIT:

DETERMINATION WORST CHARACTER TRAIT:

STUBBORN

House Colour:

NUDE There is a certain shyness to a Capricorn that seems to be at odds with their capacity to succed. They might not be the first ones to make their voices heard when asked their opinion, but when encouraged these characters will come up with a brilliant plan. They don’t enjoy giving anyone false hope although they could improve on selling themselves witha touch more pizzazz.

KNEES

Ruling body part:

AQUARIUS 21ST JANUARY - 19TH FEBRUARY

THE WATER CARRIER ELEMENT: AIR RULING PLANET: URANUS

MODEL: ALIA MARIE KARA @ALIAMARIEKARA

PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN GAMMONS @MEGJAYN

WORST CHARACTER TRAIT:

PESSIMISTIC

Eccentric, inventive Aquarian people can come across as a little ‘out there’ or ahead of their time to those around them. Aquarians feel at home with large varieties of people. Their insatiable curiosity about others is one of their most endearing qualities but it can be difficult for them to relate to people on a deeper, more emotional level. To be happy and in love they need a partner that appreciates their need for independence and a space to allow them to grow and flourish.

INGENUITY

BEST CHARACTER TRAIT:

A typical Aquarian will usually think or act differently to most other people. Unconventional by nature, Aquarians will find it natural to rebel against social norms, and are often keen supporters of those involved in social or political injustice. More often than not you will see an Aquarius at the forefront of social change, with the strong desire to think differently from the crowd can often lead to others around them feeling alienated due to their strong oppinions and unwavering morals.

TEAL

House Colour:

ANKLES

Ruling body part:

PISCES

20TH FEBRUARY - 20TH MARCH

THE FISH ELEMENT: WATER RULING PLANET: NEPTUNE

MODEL: IMOGEN BEARD @IMOBEARD

PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN GAMMONS @MEGJAYN

Pisces people are gentle, kind and understanding.

The symbol for Pisces - two fish swimming in the opposite direction sums up much for the Pisces dual nature. They may often know what they want to accomplish but get sucked down the path of least resistance.

Pisces are romantic, poetic partners who excel at expressing their inner most feelings to the people they love. Pisceans need to learn that when they ignore difficult situations they might have to deal with even more confusing consequences later on.

BEST CHARACTER TRAIT:

EMPATHY

UNFORGIVING

WORST CHARACTER TRAIT:

House Colour:

SILVER Ruling body part:

FEET

A typocal Pisces has a gentle, if not slightly vague way about them. They are not one to make a fuss and often dislike being the centre of attention. Their moods can change rapidly and their reaction to change is usually to hide until the storm passes. Pisces can struggle to focus their energies on one thing, preferring to have many half finished projects to re-visit when they feel the need to do so. A Pisces would benefit from the occasional reality check - just to sure they’re swimming the right way.

ISSUE ONE